Bold Sichuan flavors in Hell's Kitchen. Tingly tofu pudding, tender rabbit, and a menu that makes Times Square worth it.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Sky Pavilion, a Hell's Kitchen Sichuan restaurant that offers bold flavors like tingly tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit, making it a worthwhile destination even in Times Square.
Venture into Hell's Kitchen for an authentic Sichuan experience at Sky Pavilion, where bold flavors and unique dishes await. From the tingly tofu pudding to the tender stir-fried rabbit, this unassuming spot offers a culinary adventure that makes navigating Times Square worthwhile. The menu boasts a range of Sichuan specialties, alongside dim sum and American Chinese options, ensuring there's something for every palate.
Sky Pavilion is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine, with standout dishes like tingly tofu pudding, Zigong-style stir-fried spicy rabbit, and braised fish fillet with Sichuan pepper. While many dishes are spicy and feature unique ingredients like pork intestine, there are also non-spicy options like braised tofu with crab meat sauce and dim sum. Customers recommend asking for the Chinese style of dishes like Kung Pao for a more traditional preparation.
"Recommended dishes include the Kung Pao (ask for Chinese style), dry chili chicken, whole fish with bean sauce, Mapo tofu, pea shoots, roast duck, and double cooked pork. The soup dumplings are also noted as a good option."
Customers generally have a very positive view of Sky Pavilion, praising its authentic Sichuan cuisine and unique dishes. Some dishes are noted for their spice, but overall, the food quality is highly regarded.
Important Note
While online listings suggest BYOB, the restaurant may not allow outside beer if they sell it themselves. Some dishes, like the Kung Pao, can be exceptionally spicy and may be perceived as pricey by some.
"Sky Pavilion was listed as one of several dining options in the Times Square area."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is highly recommended, but despite being listed as BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) online, they did not allow the commenter to open their own beer because they sell beer but not wine or liquor."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is recommended for Chinese food, noting they have large tables suitable for groups."
Positive"This commenter mentions Sky Pavilion in response to the query about Kung Pao chicken."
Positive"Provided detailed recommendations for Sky Pavilion, emphasizing that many dishes are spicy and suggesting to ask staff about spice levels."
Positive"Asked for recommendations at Sky Pavilion, expressing openness to trying different dishes."
Neutral"Requested recommendations for Sky Pavilion, noting a lack of familiarity with the cuisine."
Neutral"Inquired about recommendations at Sky Pavilion due to unfamiliarity with Sichuan cuisine."
Neutral"Listed Sky Pavilion as a recommendation, specifying it serves Sichuan cuisine."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is recommended as a good Chinese restaurant, located between 8th and 9th Avenues on 42nd Street. The user later provided detailed recommendations on dishes, noting that many are spicy."
Positive"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a potentially tourist-friendly option in the Times Square area."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion is suggested as a Chinese restaurant option."
Positive"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a restaurant recommendation."
Neutral"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street near 8th avenue, was recommended."
Neutral"This commenter suggested trying Chongqing chicken or Laziji, describing it as similar to the dish at Sky Pavilion but drier, with more cumin tones, and without peanuts."
Neutral"The commenter noted the similarity of the dish to Chongqing Chicken (La Zi Ji) from Sichuan cuisine, characterized by numbing peppercorns and abundant chilis. They pointed out it's typically a drier dish than Kung Pao and suggested checking Sichuan restaurants for similar options with varying names."
Neutral"The commenter expressed excitement about trying the dish, appreciating the tip for finding spicy Kung Pao."
Positive"Expressing interest in trying the dish due to a preference for extra spicy food."
Positive"The author shared their experience with the Kung Pao chicken from Sky Pavilion, describing it as very spicy with good chicken but an abundance of chilis and peppercorns. They found it a bit too pricey for what it is, ultimately rating it a B+."
Negative"The author found the Dan Dan noodles at Sky Pavilion to be just okay, expecting more. However, they thought the soup dumplings were great."
Neutral
